Between September 2019 – April 2024, our GOOD TO GO Reusable Container Initiative diverted 519,293 single-use containers from the landfill. With your help, we can increase this number!
Having surpassed the original goal of diverting 200,000 single-use containers on campus during the 2023/24 academic term as set out in the Housing and Ancillary Services’ Sustainability Framework, the 2024/25 goal is set for 232,000 swaps.
Background
Between September 2019 – April 2024, the Eco Container Program (now the GOOD TO GO Reusable Container Initiative) has diverted 519,293 single-use “6X9” containers from waste streams without a mandatory single-use fee.
To drive higher participation rates and support the University’s climate action objectives and help advance the UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, a $0.75 single-use container fee was implemented in September 2022 on all meals in “6X9” take-out containers at retail food locations across campus.
The cost recovery fee is not an additional revenue stream. It was determined from a university sector scan of comparable eco container programs and a campus survey that engaged students, staff, and faculty between November 8, 2021 – April 29, 2022. 54.54% of survey respondents supported a fee introduction, of which 38.8% favoured a proposed rate in the range of $0.75 – $1.00.
Students, staff, and faculty who ‘opt-in’ to the GOOD TO GO Reusable Container Initiative save paying the University endorsed single-use container fee through a simple ‘Swap: Eat: Repeat’ process.
How it Works
All meal plan holders are automatically opted into the GOOD TO GO initiative and other students, staff and faculty can opt-in for a refundable $5 deposit. Upon opt-in a green carabiner clip is provided for individuals to begin utilizing the following ‘Swap: Eat: Repeat’ process:
Swap: Bring your carabiner to a food counter. Order your meal in a GOOD TO GO container and exchange your carabiner with a staff member.
Eat: Receive your meal in a sanitized GOOD TO GO container to take away and enjoy.
Repeat: Return your used GOOD TO GO container for a carabiner at a Swap Station to use later or exchange it at a food counter now for a meal in a new container.
Opt-in:
You do not have to be on a meal plan, anyone can opt into the GOOD TO GO Reusable Container Initiative. Receive a GOOD TO GO container from a cashier at for a $5 deposit.